COVENTRY rugby players swapped balls for books to mark the start of the 2008 National Year of Reading.

The initiative is a year-long celebration of all forms of reading, with campaigns and activities taking place nationally and locally to inspire people to read more.

The year will officially launch in Coventry this week and in advance, Coventry Rugby Club players swapped notes on their favourite books before a training session.

Player Ricky Whitehall, aged 21, who lives in Coundon, Coventry, is keen to convert people into avid readers.

He said: "I like reading, my favourite book is Facing Up by Bear Grylls.

"I would encourage people to get reading because it's fun and mentally stimulating."

Fellow player Ronnie McLean, aged 22, of Cheylesmore, Coventry, said his favourite book was of Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck.

He added: "It's great to read and expand your mind. I read all the time, in between training.

"This Year of Reading initiative is perfect - it's a great idea."

There is a fun-packed week of events taking place in Coventry next week to mark the start of the 2008 National Year of Reading.

They will kick off with a a read-in at IKEA on Tuesday where people are invited to take along something to read, lounge in IKEA's room sets and try out their furniture.

People who go along between 11am and 1pm with a book to read IKEA will get a free tea or coffee.

The Coventry Book Swap will also be launched on Tuesday at the store by Lord Mayor of Coventry, Cllr Dave Batten, who will officially hand over a Book Swap Stop to IKEA.

A Book Swap Stop is a place where you can bring a book that you have already read and swap for a book that another reader has put there and all completely free of charge.

Andrew Green, head of libraries and information services at Coventry City Council, said: "Reading is as great a skill as playing sport and the more you read, the better you get at it. Reading is addictive once you find the right books for you.

"Having 2008 as the National Year of Reading is an excellent way to encourage more people to read whether it's a novel, workshop manual, family history guide, website or blog and to join the library."

For more information about the National Year of Reading and the Coventry Book Swap please visit www.coventry.gov.uk/nyr or call 024 7683 2338.